Discipline in the Catholic school is considered an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to provide a school climate that is conducive to learning and promotes character development and the common good. ​Discipline is maintained in a classroom or school when students work cooperatively with the principal, the teachers, and their classmates towards class and school objectives. However, the legitimate interest of the school extends beyond the school day and school hours.

At OLA, the students' interest in receiving a quality, morally based education are best served if students, parents and school officials work together. Normally differences between these individuals can be resolved.  In some rare instances, however, the school may find it necessary, in its discretion, to require parents or guardians to withdraw their children.

​​It is an express condition of enrollment that the students and parents or guardians shall conform themselves to standards of conduct that are consistent with Christian principles of the school, as determined by the school in its discretion.  These principles include but are not limited to the policies or procedures set forth in this handbook.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Rules are made to promote the exercise of self-control and to show respect for people and property.  It is required that:

Children know and follow all school and classroom rules.  They are to display age-appropriate acceptable moral behavior at all times.  No unnecessary public displays of affection are allowed, such as kissing,  holding hands, or inappropriate hugging.
Parents obey and enforce all school and classroom rules, thus modeling respect for authority and teaching responsibility for one's own actions and concern for other's rights.
Teachers reinforce positive behavior with rewards and incentives.  They handle infractions as they arise.  Penalties may be assigned to teach the children that every choice has a consequence.
Principal  will handle serious infractions and more severe penalties such as probation, suspension, and expulsion in accordance with Archdiocesan regulations.

There are general rules that will be developed within each individual classroom.  Following of these rules will result in a positive and healthy academic experience.

CONSEQUENCES

Teachers operate a variety of rewards programs in their classrooms, recognizing that in the course of the usual activities and events that positive reinforcement and motivation are keys to success.  However, on occasion, it is necessary to enforce consequences for repeated and continual infractions of school and class rules. The following consequences are not listed in any order and may be combined at the Principal's or teacher's discretion, depending on the individual and the incident. They include but are not limited to:

• Talking to the individual student(s)
• Calling or writing a note to the parents
• Requiring parents to conference as soon as possible
• Removing the individual from the classroom or the incident for a short time (up to ten minutes) to another class or place under supervision
• “Benching" an individual for a short time (up to five minutes) at recess, where the individual is required to remain seated at a place specified during playtime
• Sending the individual student(s) to the team leaders, Vice Principal and/or Principal
• Sending a “note to parents
• Creating a daily or weekly behavior chart 
• Create a “contract" agreement indicating the unacceptable behavior and a promise to desist and improve behavior
• Create a probation contract indicating unacceptable behavior and providing a time limit for improvement after which suspension and/or expulsion may be warranted
  

​